They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, His mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped Him, then opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:11 (The Message)
This year I have already received a gift more precious than gold, or frankincense, or myrrh. My health was restored.
Earlier in the year, a cancer was detected in the collecting system of my left kidney. Blood had mixed with urine one day during the holidays; even though the bleeding lasted only a short time, I went to my doctor for evaluation. After many tests and a biopsy, the tumor was found. It was an aggressive cell type, and so it was recommended that I take pre-operative chemotherapy for twelve weeks. I tolerated the chemotherapy better than I thought I would. Then I had a radical surgery to remove my kidney and ureter. The surgery was a more difficult recovery than I expected. I am still trying to recover the strength and energy I had last Christmas. But I had the wonderful blessing of being told that I was ?cancer free.?
I can never fully express my gratitude to those of you who prayed for me, sent cards, and spoke words of encouragement. It is a great blessing we give each other when we pray and encourage one another. As a physician, I don't want to discount the excellent medical care I received; however, as a Christian I think I encountered my health problems with greater confidence and comfort because of the support of my family and fellow Christians. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be for those who don't have this resource. I am reluctant to say I received a miraculous recovery, but I felt the presence of God throughout my treatment and recovery.
My focus this Advent season is to remember God's greatest gift to me as well as the other gifts that God has given me, including my health. I am richly blessed. Praise God!
Holy God, help me to be more aware of the rich blessings You have given me, especially the gift of Jesus. Open my eyes that I may be truly grateful. Amen.
Sam Law is married to Lydia and is the father of Todd, who has blessed their family with Charla and their two sons, Luke and Lane. Sam currently teaches the Chafin's New Beginnings community. He is a practicing gynecologist and travels to Peru with the OSA ministry in October.
